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Indian mythology -- North America Books
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First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1879-1880, Government Printing Office 1881
"First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This report details the establishment and operations of the Bureau of Ethnology, which focuses on researching and compiling information on North American anthropology, specifically regarding its indigenous peoples. The report covers various studies undertaken during the Bureau's first fiscal year, showcasing significant collaborations and findings in linguistics, cultural customs, and historical accounts. The opening of the report describes the context of its creation, including the transition from previous geological and geographical surveys to the establishment of the Bureau dedicated to ethnological research. It mentions Powell's role as the Director and outlines various methods of operation, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research. Additionally, it references the contributions of numerous scholars and assistants in documenting languages, customs, and social structures among various Native American tribes, setting the stage for the detailed studies that follow in the subsequent sections.
Charles A. Eastman
The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation
"The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation" by Charles A. Eastman is a profound exploration of the spiritual and cultural life of the American Indian, crafted during the early 20th century. This non-fiction work serves as an essay reflecting on the indigenous beliefs, traditions, and values that characterized American Indian spirituality before significant European influence. Eastman, a member of the Sioux tribe, utilizes his personal experiences and insights to provide an authentic representation of the inner life of the Indian people, highlighting their moral codes, religious practices, and connection to nature. In this book, Eastman delves into various aspects of Native American spirituality, emphasizing the concept of the "Great Mystery" that surrounds existence. He discusses practices such as solitary worship and the significance of nature, rejecting the notion of organized religion imposed by European settlers. The text also addresses moral codes, the family unit, and community dynamics, illustrating how these elements shape the Indian worldview. Throughout, Eastman reflects on the clash between indigenous beliefs and Western ideologies, advocating for a greater understanding and respect for Native American traditions as vital components of the human experience.
Lewis Spence
The Myths of the North American Indians
"The Myths of the North American Indians" by Lewis Spence is a scholarly account of the mythology and cultural traditions of North American Indigenous peoples, written in the early 20th century. The work seeks to shed light on a subject often overlooked, aiming to present a comprehensive view of the mythologies of various tribes while blending historical and ethnological insights. The narrative emphasizes the stark differences between Native American and European worldviews, indicating that a proper understanding of Indian myth requires recognizing these differences. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the historical neglect of North American Indian mythologies and the misconceptions that have emerged from European indifference and misunderstanding. Spence reflects on the curiosity and astonishment that early Europeans felt upon encountering the Native peoples, contrasting their previous knowledge of other cultures with their lack of awareness about the rich traditions of American Indians. He criticizes outdated and fanciful theories about the Indigenes, while outlining the volume's purpose: to provide a general overview of the myths, their cultural significance, and the impacts of various environmental factors on the development of these narratives. The emphasis is placed on establishing a well-rounded understanding of the cultural contexts from which these myths arose, highlighting the intersection of myth, nature, and the historical experiences of Native peoples.
A. L. (Alfred Louis) Kroeber
Seven Mohave Myths
"Seven Mohave Myths" by A. L. Kroeber is an anthropological text written in the mid-20th century. This work focuses on the mythological narratives of the Mohave Indians, providing insights into their cultural beliefs, oral traditions, and storytelling techniques. The collection serves as a repository of the Mohave narratives, which are richly woven with song schemes, offering a glimpse into the community's historical and cosmic understanding of their world. At the start of "Seven Mohave Myths," Kroeber introduces the cultural significance of these narratives within Mohave society. He explains that the stories are not just retellings but serve a ritualistic and educational function, emphasizing that many tales are deeply embedded in the dreams and lived experience of the tellers. The opening specifically notes the tale of "Cane," recounting a story with epic qualities, focusing on two brothers, Pukehane and T{sh}it{sh}uvare, and their adventures as they navigate personal trials and familial relationships influenced by their cultural beliefs. The text also highlights the oral tradition's intricacies, illustrating how the tales' stylistic elements contribute to their function as cultural artifacts.
Jeremiah Curtin
Creation Myths of Primitive America In relation to the Religious History and Mental Development of Mankind
"Creation Myths of Primitive America" by Jeremiah Curtin is a collection of ethnographic narratives written in the late 19th century. This work explores the rich tapestry of creation myths from various indigenous cultures in America, detailing their perspectives on the origin of the world, nature, and humanity. The book likely emphasizes the spiritual and religious significance of these myths in the greater context of human belief systems. The opening of this work presents a comprehensive introduction to the creation myths of primitive America, detailing their narrative structure and thematic elements. Curtin discusses the dual worlds that are described in many myths: one of peace and harmony in a world before creation and another filled with conflict and transformation, whereby the first people metamorphosed into various elements of the natural world. The section also introduces key characters and motifs, such as the transformation of the first people into animals and the roles of significant deities like Olelbis, who oversees creation and the continuous cycle of life. Overall, this introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of individual myths and their cultural implications in subsequent chapters.
Jesse Walter Fewkes
The Winter Solstice Altars at Hano Pueblo
"The Winter Solstice Altars at Hano Pueblo" by Jesse Walter Fewkes is an anthropological study written in the late 19th century. This scientific publication explores the unique Winter Solstice ceremonies and altars constructed by the Tewa clans residing at Hano Pueblo in northeastern Arizona, shedding light on their rituals that are distinct yet culturally significant within the broader context of Native American traditions. In this detailed account, Fewkes examines the cultural and historical background of Hano Pueblo, tracing its settlement by Tewa clans from the Rio Grande valley and their retention of Tanoan customs amidst the Hopi influence. The book describes the intricate rituals performed during the midwinter ceremony known as Tûñtai, highlighting the construction and significance of the altars, the various components used in them (such as clay effigies and ceremonial meal patterns), and the community involvement in these sacred practices. By documenting the altars and their relation to the cultural identity of the Hano people, Fewkes provides critical insights into the persistence of Tewa traditions and their interaction with surrounding Native cultures.
John Wesley Powell
Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 17-56
"Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the philosophical underpinnings and mythological narratives of various Native American tribes, delving into their explanations of natural phenomena through mythic lenses. Powell's study reveals how each culture interprets the cosmos through their mythology, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the evolution of human thought. At the start of the publication, Powell outlines the essential elements of mythology as a philosophical approach, contrasting it with scientific thought. He emphasizes humanity's innate need to question the natural world and how this leads to the development of different philosophies across cultures. The opening also touches on the broad spectrum of myths among Native American tribes, illustrating how their narratives emerge from personal experiences and communal beliefs about the forces of nature. Powell’s analysis encourages readers to appreciate the depth of Native American mythologies and their significance in shaping cultural identity and philosophical thought.
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